Driving Impact: The Board's Role in Executive Director Performance Success-Presentation

Presentation - Driving Impact

Pdf Summary

This document, produced by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), provides a comprehensive guide for Boards of Commissioners on their governance role in managing and evaluating the performance of Executive Directors (CEOs) in housing authorities. Recognizing that new CEOs face high failure rates—between 38% to 70% in the first 18 months, often due to poor stakeholder and Board relationships—the guide emphasizes the Board’s critical oversight responsibilities.<br /><br />Key content includes clarifying the distinct roles of the Board (strategic direction, budget approval, compliance oversight) versus the Executive Director (day-to-day management, staff supervision, HUD reporting). The document outlines a structured CEO performance management process, including setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals aligned with HUD compliance, using evaluation templates and dashboards, gathering data and stakeholder feedback, and conducting fair, evidence-based reviews.<br /><br />Evaluation areas cover strategic alignment, regulatory compliance, financial health, resident services, leadership, community relations, and operational effectiveness. Various evaluation scales and documentation methods are discussed, with recommendation to maintain confidentiality, objectivity, and legal compliance throughout.<br /><br />The guide offers tools such as a CEO performance review form, monthly dashboards, and a 30-day board action checklist for establishing clear expectations, timelines, and processes. It stresses delivering performance feedback through formal meetings led by the Board Chair and updating employment agreements as necessary.<br /><br />A case study illustrates practical application, highlighting challenges like compliance decline and low staff morale despite strong fundraising and financials. The document concludes by underscoring effective CEO management’s impact on organizational trust, funding, and mission success, encouraging Boards to engage proactively in transparent, accountable performance oversight linked to strategic goals and ongoing executive development.

Keywords

NAHRO

Boards of Commissioners

Executive Director performance

housing authorities governance

CEO evaluation process

SMART goals

HUD compliance

performance review tools

stakeholder feedback

organizational leadership